A consumer group is predicting a rush for powerful vacuum cleaners as an EU ban on many best-performing products looms.

Which? said that from September 1, companies will be unable to manufacture or import any vacuums with motors above 1,600 watts under rules designed to boost energy efficiency and tackle climate change.

The body said that many models rated as 'Best Buys' by its reviewers were covered by the new rules, which also included a new labelling system covering energy efficiency and performance.

"If you’re in the market for a powerful vacuum, you should act quickly, before all of the models currently available sell out", Which? said.

Image Caption:Sir James Dyson is among the new directive's critics

Dyson was among angry manufacturers protesting against the ban - despite none of its motors exceeding 1,400 watts.

It believes the new eco-labels discriminate against technology, such as the bag-less cleaners it patented, because the waste savings are not measured by the new system.

The EU has insisted that its rules, which followed bans on traditional light bulbs and moves to limit energy-sapping TVs, would not have an impact on cleanliness as the motor's power did not determine its efficiency at removing dust and other dirt.

Which? said that a 'Best Buy' 2,200 watt vacuum cost around £27 a year to run in electricity – only around £8 more than the best-scoring 1,600 watt it had tested.

It warned that manufacturers who traditionally do not do well in its tests have had ‘A’ ratings "across the board" under the new self-regulated eco-labels and a full list of the Best Buy models that were to be banned was available to its subscribers.

Popular vacuums which face being banned from sale include the 2,000 watt Miele S6210 Bagged Cylinder Vacuum Cleaner and the Panasonic Bagged Upright Vacuum Cleaner.

Under the EU's plans the maximum wattage allowed is set to drop by a further 900 watts from 2017, affecting the majority of current models.